Play the Recorder Month

March 2018 is Play the Recorder Month!

Recorder players from across North America celebrate March as "Play-the-Recorder Month" (PtRM). Many ARS chapters, consorts and recorder orchestras plan special concerts and presentations to illustrate the versatility and beauty of this wonderful instrument. Play-the-Recorder Month and Play-the-Recorder Day grew out of a one-day worldwide event on April 1, 1989, during the 50th anniversary year of the American Recorder Society. Its success caused the ARS to declare an annual celebration starting with Play-the-Recorder Day on March 28, 1992. The single day was later expanded to monthlong activities plus a focus on one day, which have been observed each March since then.

This is a great way to bring energy and excitement to your recorder community, and to gain new members.

Here are some of the activities happening in March 2018 and other ways you can participate:

ARS chapters, consorts and recorder orchestras plan special concerts and events to illustrate the versatility and beauty of this wonderful instrument.

On March 17, 2018, designated as “Play-the-Recorder Day,” recorder players around the world are encouraged to play this year’s composition entitled “Fantasia on a Shape-Note Hymn” by Eric Haas. This 4-part piece was created especially for this occasion.

Chapters, consorts and recorder orchestras are eligible to win great prizes. Submit a PtRM Contest Entry Form describing your activities. Forms are be available below, and the contest deadline is April 15, 2018.

“American Recorder Rally,” a new year-long program of half-day concert events, some of which are scheduled in March, has been created by Matthias Maute, renowned performer, educator, and composer. See the article in the news section for more details on event locations, dates, and how to register.

Play-the-Recorder Month Contest

Chapters, consorts and recorder orchestras are eligible to enter the “Play-the-Recorder Month Contest." Prizes typically include various gift certificates to recorder instrument and music vendors. The deadline for completed entries is April 15, 2018.